World Matchplay
the form that had seen him average 110 during his opening match of the
tournament and a rampant Gary Anderson made him pay with a 16-8
victory as he joined Phil Taylor in reaching the semi-finals comfortably.
Lewis never really found his range on the treble twenty and was made
to pay throughout the match as Anderson dominated in all departments,
including a 55% success rate on doubles and a 100 average.
“Adrian wasn’t at his best and he didn’t hit as many 180s as he normally
would, but I did a good job,” said Anderson. “I felt like Adrian was
struggling and I was struggling, and I thought it was scrappy, but the
finishes were okay.
“The last few legs were great and I didn’t realise it was a 100 average
- but I know I can do better. It’s great to be in the semis but I want to
keep this going now.
“I said in December that I was going to give it a good push this year, and
I’m plodding along, just keeping quiet, and I’ll let the big boys worry
about their darts and slip in the back door.”
Semi Finals
Over recent years semi-final day at the Matchplay has produced some
of the best action and this year would prove to be no exception.
Phil Taylor kept his challenge going as he edged out Gary Anderson 1715 in an absolute thriller.
Taylor held the early advantage, but Anderson wasn’t in the mood to
roll over and he had soon levelled up at 7-7. The duo then traded leg
after leg as the score progressed to 10-10 with both men in peak form.
It was Taylor’s turn to kick on again and he had soon re-established a
two leg cushion at 12-10 and despite Anderson never losing touch it
always looked like Taylor’s match to lose.
“That was an absolutely cracking match and it’s one of the best games
I’ve played in my career,” said Taylor.
“I’m very pleased with my performance and everything’s coming
together, and if I’d lost I wouldn’t have been too unhappy because I’m
playing proper darts again.
“That’s the best I’ve seen Gary play for a long time too. He was superb
and he’s got that belief again, and I’ve got so much admiration for him
“I threw everything at him and he kept coming back at me and putting
me under pressure.”
“Both semi-finals were great and I think the final will be a cracker too.
Michael’s in for a tough game tomorrow because he’s playing a Phil
Taylor who’s playing proper darts again.
“It would be really special to win this title again because I’ve been
through a lot and have come out of it.”
“That was an
absolutely
cracking match
and it’s one of
the best games
I’ve played in my
career”
Phil Taylor